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Ireland unveil squad for T20I series against Pakistan

DUBLIN: Cricket Ireland on Friday named a 14-member squad to face Pakistan in the home T20I series, scheduled to commence here on 6 August.

Offspinner Freya Sargent, who did not feature in Ireland’s most recent white-ball series against Zimbabwe, has made her way back into the squad.

Along with Sargent, Lara McBride, who made her ODI and T20I debuts against Zimbabwe last month, has also retained his place in the squad.

Gaby Lewis, who is also in line to become the second Irish woman after Laura Delany to play 100 T20Is, will continue to lead the side.

Following the squad announcement, Ciara O’Brien, the national women’s selector, hailed the Pakistan women’s team as a more formidable opponent.

“After a strong 5-0 series win against Zimbabwe Women across formats under new head coach Lloyd Tennant, it’s great to be able to move so quickly into what will understandably be a much tougher assignment against Pakistan Women in Clontarf for this T20I series,” she said.

“With the upcoming matches, our preparation continues for the ICC Women’s T20I World Cup Europe Qualifier in the Netherlands in a few weeks, so we’re looking to see this latest momentum continued by the squad at Clontarf,” she concluded.

Ireland T20I squad for Pakistan Series

Gaby Lewis (capt), Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Laura Delany, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Louise Little, Jane Maguire, Lara McBride, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Freya Sargent, Rebecca Stokell

Schedule for Pakistan’s T20I series against Ireland

August 6 – First T20I at Clontarf Cricket Club in Dublin
August 8 – Second T20I at Clontarf Cricket Club in Dublin
August 10 – Third T20I at Clontarf Cricket Club in Dublin

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WATCH: Ireland’s Curtis Campher creates history, becomes first player to achieve rare feat

DUBLIN: Ireland’s all-rounder Curtis Campher has etched his name into the history books by becoming the first player to achieve the rare feat of taking five wickets in five balls in professional cricket.

Campher became the first player to scalp five wickets on five balls during the 23rd match of the Inter-Provincial T20 Trophy here at the Pembroke Cricket Club, Sandymount.

He recorded the figures of 5 for 16 in 2.3 overs while playing for Munster Reds against North-West Warriors.

Curtis Campher, also leading the side, took five wickets across his second and third overs. The 26-year-old’s bowling heroics helped his team bowl out the Warriors for just 88 runs.

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The opposing team lost half of their wickets from 86 to 88, with the addition of just two runs as Curtis Campher wreaked havoc with the ball.

Jared Wilson was the first of the five wickets to go, getting out off the second-to-last delivery of the 12th over when Campher’s ball swung in and knocked over the off stump.

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On the very next delivery, Graham Hume was out lbw on the back foot as another inswinger hit his pads. This set the stage for Campher to go for a hat-trick at the start of his next over, which he accomplished when Andy McBrine misplayed a slog towards deep midwicket on the first ball of the 14th over.

He then remobed No. 10 Robbie Millar, who was caught behind, while No. 11 Josh Wilso was cleaned up as Campher came around the wicket.

Following his remarkable feat, Curtis Campher expressed his thoughts, outlining his simple plan.

“Because of the change of overs, I wasn’t really sure what was happening,” Campher said. “I just kind of stuck to my guns and kept it real simple, and luckily it kind of went off.”

For the unversed, Curtis Campher has another record to his name, featuring him among the elite list of bowlers who have taken four wickets in four deliveries in T20 cricket.

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West Indies recall star players for T20I series against England, Ireland

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced their T20I squads for the upcoming white-ball assignments against England and Ireland, with experienced all-rounders Jason Holder and Andre Russell making their return to international action.

West Indies will take on England in a three-match T20I series, which follows the conclusion of their ongoing ODI series at The Oval on Tuesday.

The squad then shifts focus to a three-match T20I tour of Ireland, although several senior players and key coaching staff will be rested for that leg, including Russell, who will sit out the Ireland series.

This series marks a fresh chapter for the West Indies in the shortest format, with Shai Hope set to lead the T20I side for the first time, replacing Rovman Powell as captain.

Holder, who last featured in a T20I for West Indies in February 2024, returns after missing the World Cup due to injury.

Russell also makes his comeback after suffering an ankle injury during the West Indies’ home series against England last year.

The squad sees the return of Sherfane Rutherford, who missed the Bangladesh series, while Keacy Carty has been selected for the Ireland leg only, replacing Brandon King, who has been granted leave.

Additionally, newly appointed Test captain Roston Chase will depart after the England series to begin preparations for the upcoming Test tour of Australia. His absence opens the door for batter Jyd Goolie, who earns his maiden senior call-up for the Ireland series.

With a Test camp scheduled from June 13-21 in Barbados, the coaching staff — head coach Daren Sammy, Floyd Reifer, and Ravi Rampaul — will return early, with Rayon Griffith stepping in as interim coach for the Ireland leg.

West Indies Men’s T20I Squad for England: Shai Hope (captain), Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd

West Indies Men’s T20I Squad for Ireland: Shai Hope (captain), Keacy Carty, Johnson Charles, Matthew Forde, Jyd Goolie, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd

READ: Pakistan to play in Sri Lanka as ICC unveils Women’s World Cup dates, venues

Matthew Forde equals world record with joint fastest half-century in ODIs

DUBLIN: West Indies’ Matthew Forde joined former South Africa star AB de Villiers in a record-equalling feat, scoring the joint fastest half-century in One Day Internationals (ODIs).

The right-handed achieved the feat in the match against Ireland here in the second ODI. Forde smashed 16 balls 50, leveling Ab de Villiers’ record, which he set against West Indies in Johannesburg in 2015.

Matthew Forde went on to score a 19-ball 58, peppered with two fours and eight maximums.

Put into bat first, the West Indies scored 352 for the loss of eight wickets in their 50 overs, thanks to Keach Carty’s sublime century.

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Carty top-scored with 102 off 109 deliveries, laced with 13 fours and a six. Meanwhile, the West Indies were in a precarious position after his dismissal.

Ireland reduced the visitors to 213-5 in 36.4 overs, but it was Matthew Forde who bludged a magnificent fifty, bringing the score to 314 in 46.5 overs.

It is pertinent to mention that Ireland is 1-0 ahead in the three-match series. The home team gave West Indies a drubbing in the first ODI, securing a comprehensive victory by 124 runs.

Andy Balbirnie was named Player of the Match for his 112 off 138 balls.

It is pertinent to mention that the West Indies will play England in a White-ball series following the conclusion of the Ireland tour.

West Indies ODI squad: Shai Hope (c), Jewel Andrew, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Justin Greaves, Amir Jangoo, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd

Series schedule against Ireland

First ODI v Ireland: May 21, Dublin
Second ODI v Ireland: May 23, Dublin
Third ODI v Ireland: May 25, Dublin

Series schedule against England

First ODI v England: May 29, Birmingham
Second ODI v England: June 1, Cardiff
Third ODI v England: June 3, The Oval

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Andy Balbirnie smashes ton as Ireland thrash West Indies in ODI opener

DUBLIN: Paul Stirling became the first Ireland batter to reach 10,000 international runs, and Andy Balbirnie made a century during a dominant 124-run win over the West Indies in the opening ODI here on Wednesday.

Captain Stirling moved to a career total of 10,017 runs across Tests, ODIs and T20 internationals with a knock of 54 off 64 balls.

“Delighted to get there. It was something I dreamt of as a kid, but as a professional cricketer, you can’t dwell too much about it,” said Stirling.

Building on the first-wicket partnership of 109, fellow opener Balbirnie went on to make 112 from 138 deliveries, including nine fours and four sixes, while Harry Tector chipped in with 56 as the hosts closed on 303 for six after being put in to bat.

West Indies pace bowler Alzarri Joseph claimed the wickets of Balbirnie and Tector before Matthew Forde registered three for 68.

Ireland’s attack made light work of the tourists’ top order to pave the way for a commanding success as Barry McCarthy and George Dockrell starred with the ball.

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After opener Evin Lewis was run out by Tector, McCarthy took three wickets and seamer Thomas Mayes marked his ODI debut by clean bowling visiting captain Shai Hope for two to reduce the Windies to 31 for five inside 10 overs.

McCarthy finished with four for 32 after having Forde caught by Little for 38 at the start of the 35th over as Ireland wrapped up victory with 95 balls to spare.

“We needed to show more intent,” said Hope.

“We just need to set the tone from the start. We know the firepower we have with quality players coming in at the back end. This series isn’t over yet, but we’ll take this blow since they outplayed us.”

The three-match ODI series between Ireland and the West Indies will continue on Friday before concluding on Sunday.

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West Indies unveil ODI squad for Ireland, England series

ANTIGUA: Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced a largely unchanged 15-player squad for the upcoming ODI series against Ireland and England.

West Indies will play three ODIs against Ireland, slated to commence on 21 May. This will be followed by a similar number of ODIs against England, beginning on 29 May.

West Indies squad remains unchanged from the successful series against Bangladesh and England in 2024. The tours will provide the West Indies with an opportunity to build a team for the 2027 World Cup.

Shimron Hetmyer is among the notable exclusions from the previous squad that whitewashed Bangladesh 3-0 in December 2024, while Wicketkeeper-batter Jewel Andrew returns to the team.

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West Indies Head Coach Daren Sammy welcomed the team building ahead of the next World Cup.

“These matches form a critical component towards the 2027 World Cup, and there are signs of the team building consistency following the series sweep against Bangladesh and the win over England late last year,” he said.

“We expect the conditions to be challenging but we are creating a culture and mindset which emphasize playing the brand of cricket that is taking us closer to some of our overall objectives,” he added.

The West Indies are eyeing a direct qualification for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in South Africa and Zimbabwe as they currently sit in ninth place in the ICC ODI rankings.

West Indies Squad:

Shai Hope (C), Jewel Andrew, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Justin Greaves, Amir Jangoo, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd

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South Africa coach JP Duminy takes the field against Ireland

Former South Africa all-rounder and current batting coach Jean-Paul Duminy turned back the clock as he took the field for his side during the third ODI against Ireland in Abu Dhabi.

Duminy, who retired from all forms of cricket in July 2019, came in as a substitute fielder in the final overs of the Ireland innings due to hot and humid conditions, which forced some South African players to go out.

It’s worth noting that according to rules coaches or members of team management can take the field as substitutes in case of a shortage of players due to injury or any other reason.

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The 40-year-old coach not only took the field but made a stellar attempt to save the boundary with a dive at short third man, earning praise from commentators for his athleticism despite retiring five years ago.

Ireland, while batting first, managed to post 284-9, courtesy of captain Paul Stirling’s dashing 88 and Harry Trector’s quick-fire 60 off 48.

In response, South Africa were bundled out for 215 in 46.1 overs with only Jason Smith top-scoring with a brilliant 91-run knock from 93 balls.

Despite the loss, South Africa took the ODI series 2-1 with the two sides sharing the preceding T20 series 1-1.

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Skipper Stirling leads Ireland to ODI win over South Africa

Ireland captain Paul Stirling led from the front with a dashing 88 as his side completed their ODI series against South Africa with a convincing 69-run win in the final match in Abu Dhabi on Monday.

Chasing 285 to win, South Africa slipped to 126-6 with only a fine 91 from Jason Smith keeping them in the game.

But Smith was unable to prevent the Irish from claiming only their second ODI win over the Proteas.

“It’s a relief to get past it,” said Stirling. “We talked about just winning the game and getting the job done.”

“We let ourselves down in the first two games. We knew if we applied ourselves and kept our wickets in hand we’ll get the runs.”

Graham Hume, who was born in Johannesburg and played for South Africa Under 19s, was the pick of the Irish bowlers with 3-29 while Ulster-born Craig Young finished with 3-40.

South Africa took the ODI series 2-1 with the two sides sharing the preceding T20 series 1-1.

Stirling set the tone for Ireland’s 284-9 after he won the toss and decided to bat. That was in contrast to the first two matches when Ireland chased, failing to survive past 32 overs as they made 132 and 169 in reply to big South African scores.

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On Monday, Stirling and Andy Balbirnie put on 101 for the first wicket before Balbirnie fell to Lizaad Williams for a steady 45 from 73 balls.

Curtis Campher accelerated with 34 off 36 balls before he fell to Ottneil Baartman who then bowled Stirling in his next over. The captain had hit three sixes and eight fours in his innings.

Harry Tector kept Ireland moving with a 48-ball 60 while Williams, the only South African bowler to get through his full 10 overs, finished with 4-56.

South Africa’s reply was soon in disarray at 10-3 as Mark Adair removed Ryan Rickelton and Rassie van der Dussen, standing in for injured captain Temba Bavuma. Reeza Hendricks edged Graham Hume to Balbirnie at second slip.

Kyle Verreynne (38) and Tristan Stubbs (20) steadied the innings with a 49-run partnership but once Verreynne was leg before to Young the wheels came off again.

At 126-6, South Africa looked out of it but Smith made sure the Irish would have to wait.

The 29-year-old from Western Province, who made nought in his only other ODI against Afghanistan last month, made the most of his chance after being drafted in following Wiaan Mulder return home for personal reasons.

Smith hammered his 91 from 93 balls with nine fours and four sixes before slicing Hume to Adair at third man.

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Andy McBrine shines as Ireland come from behind to beat Zimbabwe

Andy McBrine starred with both bat and ball as Ireland beat Zimbabwe by four wickets in a one-off Test in Belfast on Sunday after recovering from a dramatic top-order collapse.

Set just 158 to win in the shadow of Stormont Castle, Ireland had slumped to 33-5 at the close of Saturday’s third day, with Zimbabwe left-arm quick Richard Ngarava doing the bulk of the damage in a sensational burst of 4-12 in four overs.

But in the first Test to be played in Northern Ireland, the home side lost just one more wicket on Sunday.

Lorcan Tucker (56) and Andy McBrine, who completed a fine all-round match to be 55 not out, turned the tide after coming together when Ireland had collapsed to 21-5.

They added 96 for the sixth wicket before Tucker chopped on from Blessing Muzarabani with Ireland still 41 runs short of victory.

Mark Adair, however, who was born in nearby Holywood, settled quickly making 24 not out and hitting the winning boundary as Ireland finished on 158-6 to triumph with more than a day to spare.

Off-spinner McBrine was named player of the match after the 31-year-old took a combined 7-75 across Zimbabwe’s two innings.

“McBrine is the guy you want to put in your cricket bag and take everywhere. Exceptionally skilful and deserved the award today,” said Ireland captain Andy Balbirnie.

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The victory gave Ireland, who lost their opening seven Tests, a first home win in the format and back-to-back successes after they had beaten Afghanistan for their Test first win in March.

Stormont became the second Test venue in Ireland after Malahide and the 123rd in the history of Test cricket.

“Probably didn’t think growing up that there’d be a Test here,” said McBrine, who comes from the Northern Ireland village of Donemana.

McBrine said he had been “working hard behind the scenes” on his bowling before paying tribute to Ireland’s quicks.

“It was not an easy wicket to bowl on but the way they rotated allowed me to take wickets as well.”

Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine was left thinking of what might have been had they been able to continue on Saturday night when Ireland were on the ropes at 33-5.

“We’d have liked five, six more overs last night,” he said. “Our games against have Ireland have always been competitive.”

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Four-wicket Ngarava puts Zimbabwe on top in Ireland Test

Richard Ngarava took four of Ireland top-order wickets as Zimbabwe hit back in dramatic style to take charge of a one-off Test in Belfast on Saturday.

Zimbabwe started the third day on 12-0 but were dismissed for 197 in their second innings, with Ireland off-spinner Andy McBrine taking 4-38.

That left Ireland with a victory target of 158 but their leading batsmen proved powerless to resist 26-year-old left-arm paceman Ngarava, who had the superb stumps figures of 4-12 from four overs, with the hosts 33-5 at the close and still needing a further 125 runs to win.

Zimbabwe had almost erased a first-innings deficit of 40 runs when Joylord Gumbie was caught in the slips off Craig Young.

Three balls later, Barry McCarthy had Prince Masvaure, the other Zimbabwe opener, caught behind before Craig Ervine was lbw to Mark Adair.

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But a stand of 68 between Sean Williams and Dion Myers, who top-scored in the innings with 57, helped turn the tide before Williams was out for 40.

McBrine cleaned up the tail to leave Ireland with a seemingly modest target and more than two days in which to get the runs.

Ngarava had other ideas, however, as he took two wickets in two balls to dismiss Peter Moor and Curtis Campher.

New-ball partner Blessing Muzarabani then got in on the act by removing Ireland captain Andy Balbirnie.

Ngarava continued the collapse, with Harry Tector (nought) and Paul Stirling (10) both caught behind by wicketkeeper Clive Madande before rain cut short the day’s play.

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